Overseas Development & Town Twinning

PaddyKay

Does anyone know of an organisation that organises town twinning with towns in developing countries and developed countries. Or, is it possible for a town in Ireland to twin with a town in the developing world?. This would allow exchange programs, educatiion programs, development funds, possible art exchange etc.

looksee

First thought is that it would be more adopt-a-town than twinning. Second thought is that it would not make for nearly such entertaining jaunts as a nice, comfy bit of France.

I agree with you though, and the idea has been followed through in Kilkenny http://www.kilkennyalive.com/story/kilkenny-village-sets-fundraising-record - again they call it twinning, but I don't think its official. There again I don't know what would make it 'official'.

towntwinner

Hello PaddyKay,

I came across this post by accident, but think I may be able to help you out.

I run a UK website www.towntwinning.org.ukwhich deals with Towntwinning matters within the UK and NI. I do not normally deal with Southern Ireland, but to the best of knowledge these matters are handled in virtually the same way.

The main authority within the EU dealing with twinning and who may be able to help you find a twin town is http://www.twinning.org/, although you can always look for your own twin town.

I suggest you take a look through my website first to get some idea of how things are organised and if you wish to take things further I am prepared to try and offer any advice I can, although, as I said, I do not normally deal with twinning matters outside the UK (there is a limit to what one man can do)

Our useful links section at http://www.towntwinning.org.uk/useful%20links.htm will give you some ideas as will our articles section.

Wishing you luck, and hope to hear from you

Alan

PaddyKay

Thanks for that, its exactly what I was looking for. We are just in the early stages of this idea but that has answered many of our questions.

towntwinner

Glad to have been of help

Alan